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Alert: Product and Recall NoticesWhat to Eat When You Need a Quick (and Healthy) Snack
Are there times when you want or need to eat something with low or no carb, but aren’t sure what to eat? We asked our friends in the community to tell us their favorite low or no carb go-to diabetes foods. We received hundreds of great food options, and listed them by category for you to reference. Although everyone has different nutritional needs, we hope you find these lists helpful, and yourself trying a variety of these delicious foods! Be sure to look up the carb count before eating and give yourself insulin if needed, and talk with your healthcare team to determine the right dietary plan for you.
Have a favorite go-to diabetes food (low carb or no carb) that isn’t listed? Tell us in the comments below!
Vegetables
Dark-Green Vegetables
1. Broccoli
2. Kale chips
3. Spinach
Red and Orange Vegetables
1. Carrots
2. Red and green pepper
3. Tomatoes
Beans and Peas
1. Edamame
Other Vegetables
1. Asparagus
2. Avocado
3. Black olives
4. Brussel sprouts
5. Cabbage
6. Cauliflower
7. Celery
8. Cucumbers
9. Green beans
10. Iceberg lettuce
11. Mushrooms
12. Pickles
13. Radishes
14. Zucchini
Fruits
1. Blueberries
2. Watermelon
3. A grape, raspberry, or half strawberry in an ice cube
Proteins
1. Beef: steak, hamburgers (without bun), sausage links or bites, bacon, jerky, Slim Jims, hot dogs
2. Chicken (grilled)
3. Eggs: hard boiled, omelets, scrambled
4. Fish: tuna, sashimi
5. Ham: lunch meat
6. Pork: rinds, roast, sausage links, pepperoni (sticks)
7. Turkey: bacon, lunch meat
Dairy
1. Cheese: string, sticks, curd, low fat, sharp cheddar, goat, cottage cheese
2. Yogurt: Dannon Light & Fit Carb & Sugar Control, Fred Meyer Carbmaster
Nuts
1. Almonds
2. Cashews
3. Peanut butter
4. Peanuts
5. Pistachios
6. Pumpkin seeds
7. Sunflower seeds
Drinks
1. Unsweetened tea
2. Calorie free flavored water
3. Sugar free sports drinks
Desserts
1. Sugar free Cheesecake
2. Sugar free ice cream
3. Sugar free gelatin
4. Sugar free popsicles
5. Sugar free pudding with sugar free cool whip
About Author
Naomi Kingery
Customer Experience DesignerNaomi Kingery Ruperto, also known as The Diabetic Diva®, was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 12. Through the years she has used her voice in the diabetes community as a blogger and the author of the Sugar Free Series, which includes Sugar Free Me, Sugar Free Teens, Sugar Free Support, and Sugar Free Journey. Her personal connection with Medtronic began in 2002 when she received her first MiniMed® insulin pump. And in 2009 she chose to build a career at Medtronic because of her passion towards the Medtronic Mission. Naomi works on the Customer Experience team representing the voice of the diabetes community every day. Outside of work, she loves her family, her church, her bulldog, and the color pink!
I wake up in the middle of the night with low blood sugar
I’ve discover a low fat 2 grams sugar 70 Calories
8 grams protein yogurt called carb master I eat that
At 4am and a few almonds and water to help control blood glucose levels
Works for me!
What snacks can I eat to stop my blood sugar from spiking? I’m pretty diabetic and I don’t want to become a full diabetic.
Mike, this would be a great conversation to have with your healthcare team. They know your individual needs and can provide you the best advice.
Many sugar free items are loaded with other ingredients that are not healthy choices. Some have alcohol sugars to which many people are sensitive and can act as a laxative. As far as ice cream, it is probably better to choose an all natural variety and keep the serving size small. Thanks for this list! Can you also post one with snacks that will keep my blood sugar at an even level all night long I need some new ideas. Thank you for sharing your blog about WHAT TO EAT WHEN YOU NEED A QUICK (AND HEALTHY) SNACK. I Think Your blog Is So Helpful.
Thanks, Deanna. I recommend working with your healthcare team or others in the diabetes community for additional tips. Glad to hear that this was helpful for you!
Thanks for this list! Can you also post one with snacks that will keep my blood sugar at an even level all night long? I need some new ideas. Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestion, Patty. We’ll definitely look into this.
Thank you!
Lite or Low fat yogurt can be a great night time snack. With carbohydrates and protein to balance you over the time you are sleeping, it can help you avoid early morning highs and lows.
Many sugar free items are loaded with other ingredients that are not healthy choices. Some have alcohol sugars to which many people are sensitive and can act as a laxative. As far as ice cream, it is probably better to choose an all natural variety and keep the serving size small. Fruits and nuts are much better choices.